In Yellowstone National Park there are roughly 5,450 bison (last counted in summer 2021) that roam the vast landscape of the park. For visitors, the bison in Yellowstone are just as popular to see as the geysers and springs that shoot out of the ground. Discover below some of the best places to see bison in Yellowstone.
History of bison in Yellowstone
Did you know that Yellowstone is the only place in the lower 48 states where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times? Yellowstone has made big strides in re-instating the herds that roam today as they were nearly extinct in the 1800s. And by 1902, greedy poachers reduced Yellowstone’s herd to about two dozen. In order to ensure the few remaining bison weren’t the last, they brought in private herds from other areas, and by 1968, the herd reductions of bison ceased.
Today, there are two primary breeding herds located in the park, which are located in the northern and central areas of Yellowstone. The northern breeding herd gathers in the Lamar Valley and on nearby plateaus for the breeding season. The central breeding herd occupies the central part of the park, from the Pelican and Hayden valleys. Bison from the central herd meet in the Hayden Valley for breeding.
Best places to see bison in Yellowstone
Hands down the best places to see bison in Yellowstone are at Hayden and Lamar Valleys because as mentioned above these are the main breeding grounds for the bison. In the summer lower grasslands are the best place to spot bison, while in winter hydrothermal areas like the Geyser Basin area, are where you will find roaming bison.
Lamar Valley is a great place for not only spotting bison but other wildlife as well. Fed by the Lamar River, the valley is covered in vibrant grasslands that are accessible along Highway 212 and draw in bison, moose, elk, and bears.
In Hayden Valley, the Yellowstone River feeds Yellowstone Lake at the central part of the park, making this a prime area to see wildlife, including bison. This area of the park is coined the “the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” where you can see some of the best waterfalls and most scenic landscape in addition to an abundance of wildlife.
Stay at Huff House Inn
After your adventures of spotting bison in Yellowstone, rest and relax at the luxurious Huff House Inn. Our luxury boutique hotel is located a few blocks from the Town Square in downtown Jackson Hole and an easy day’s drive to Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy well-appointed rooms, and an outdoor patio area open all year round with a warming hot tub, firepit, and seating area. Plus, little extras like daily homemade cookies, complimentary coffee, plush bathrobes, and luxurious linens, are all there to help make your stay with us the best it can be! Book your stay with us today!